How many days at Aulani and Royal Hawaiian with Tweens

Question

We are making our first trip to Oahu in August for 7 nights. Family of 4 with 12 and 10 year old. Our initial plan is to do 4 nights first at Royal Hawaiian (couple of day of sightseeing including Pearl) and a couple of days on the beach/pool. We then planned on doing last 3 nights at Aulani (mostly spend time at resort with 1 morning doing 3 hour dolphin/turtle boat tour). Just checking to see if anyone would do less days at Waikiki and more at Aulani or start with Aulani?

Thanks,

Answer

For a family with tweens visiting Oahu for the first time, your initial plan of splitting time between the Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki and Aulani in Ko Olina is very reasonable. Each resort offers very different experiences: Royal Hawaiian gives you the classic Waikiki vibe with easy access to shopping, dining, and sightseeing, while Aulani is more of a contained resort experience with pools, activities, and a focus on relaxation.

Option 1 – Your current plan (4 nights Waikiki / 3 nights Aulani)

Pros: Gives you more time in Waikiki to explore Oahu’s sights like Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and Hanauma Bay. You can also enjoy several beach/pool days without feeling rushed.
Cons: Slightly less time at Aulani to fully enjoy the resort activities and amenities.

Option 2 – Start at Aulani, then Waikiki (3 nights Aulani / 4 nights Waikiki)

Pros: Easier start to your trip with resort relaxation, especially after flying in. Tweens can unwind, swim, and adjust to the time difference. Then you can finish with the energy of Waikiki and sightseeing when everyone is fully adjusted.
Cons: You’ll have fewer days at Aulani for activities like the pools, water slides, and resort-based programs. Travel to Waikiki mid-trip may feel like a “switch” but not overly difficult.

Option 3 – Balance differently (3 nights Waikiki / 4 nights Aulani)

Pros: Gives you enough time to see key Waikiki attractions without feeling rushed and maximizes time at Aulani for resort fun, including the dolphin/turtle boat tour and other family activities.
Cons: Slightly shorter exploration time in Waikiki; you may need to prioritize must-see sites.

Other considerations

Weather: August is generally warm and sunny; both locations are great for outdoor activities.
Transportation: Renting a car will make day trips from Waikiki easier. At Aulani, car rental is optional unless you plan to explore Oahu beyond the resort.
Tweens’ enjoyment: Pools, slides, and organized resort activities at Aulani can be very engaging, while Waikiki’s cultural sites and beach activities are a good mix of learning and fun.
Logistics: Traveling between Ko Olina and Waikiki takes about 30–40 minutes by car, so switching mid-trip is not overly burdensome.

Recommendation: Many families prefer starting at Aulani for 3–4 nights to settle in and enjoy resort amenities, then spend 3–4 nights in Waikiki for sightseeing and local culture. This provides a nice balance of relaxation and exploration without feeling rushed, and tweens typically enjoy the resort start.